The Merseyside derby ended in controversy as two key players saw red. England midfielder Steven Gerrard was first to go, before Andy van der Meyde followed.

Steven Gerrard was dismissed just eighteen minutes into the game after receiving two yellow cards.

Former Manchester United midfielder Phil Neville put Liverpool ahead after putting the ball into his own net from a corner. Luis Garcia was then on-hand to double the advantage.

Tim Cahill got a goal back for Everton, but all hope was lost when Andy van der Meyde was sent off for leaning in with the elbow.

Harry Kewell sealed the win, a victory that was bitter for Everton fans, but sweet for the Liverpool following.

Elsewhere in the Premiership, Blackburn secured a 1-0 victory over Sunderland with Andy Reid getting the only goal after 15 minutes leaving The Black Cats without a win in 26 games.

West Ham defeated Wigan 2-1; Lee McCulloch gave Wigan the advantage, only for Marlon Harewood to level the scores. Nigel Reo-Coker turned in Teddy Sheringham's low cross in the dying seconds of the game to snatch the win.

David O'Leary's future is still hanging in the balance after a goalless draw with Fulham.

Portsmouth's game with Arsenal was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, however Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted that he was happy with the decision as it gave his players more time to rest before the UEFA Champions League game against Juventus in the forthcoming week.